The word Comptche loosely translates to “the land of many potholes” in the native Pomo Indian language. The Pomo loved this area for hunting, and today arrowheads made from Lake County obsidian can be found in the soil. John Peterson’s family were homesteaders on this rugged land back in the late 1800’s at a time giant Redwoods dominated. Fishing, trapping, and logging were the industries of the day. Today it’s grape growing and cannabis. John and his growing partner Saul worked for a decade to gain AVA status for Comptche, and in 2023 they finally achieved it. We are honored to be able to tell their story!